Last summer I had a lot of fun recapping HGTV’s “Design Star” each week. It was so cheesy that there was no shortage of things to poke fun at talk about. Remember the “ghost” that haunted the house they were decorating and played pranks on them, like taking their paint cans out onto the lawn and knocking pictures off the walls? Or when the host with the most Clive Pearse told the contestants they’d be building their own place to stay by the river, but it turned out to be an elaborate joke? Yeah, stuff like that. Instead of “Guts. Glory. Glam,” I thought the tagline for the season should have been “Guts. Glory. Goofiness.”
This season so far seems to have been streamlined to rid the show of all of the insanity and drama. It’s gone Professional. Clive looks much more serious in his suits. No more corny jokes. Even his air horn is M.I.A.
Two of the judges have been replaced and now we have three heavy hitters at the helm: Candice Olson, Vern Yip, and Genevieve Gorder. That’s a big improvement right there. I’m a fan of all three of those designers (but I’ll miss Cynthia Rowley’s crazy outfits from last season).
Too bad the contestants don’t seem to be delivering better designs than last year. Makes me wish we could at least have the fun back.
This week’s episode found the contestants remodeling entire kitchens in 3 days, and doing the labor themselves. Listen. I once worked for a successful designer who was extremely talented, but there’s no way she could have gutted a kitchen and hung new cabinets herself in three days. How many designers could? So maybe it’s no surprise that the kitchens turned out the way they did, with cabinets that weren’t square, granite countertops that didn’t quite meet at the seams, and an oven hood that fell off the wall with no help from a ghost at all.
Clive said, “The kitchen is the heart of the home, but in this case it flatlined.” That pretty much sums it up.
Kitchen #1 Before:
Kitchen #1 After It Has Traveled to Morroco and Italy and Back:
The colors were chosen by “The Color Expert” in the group, Jen Guerin. At first I thought that blue band around the ceiling was painter’s tape they forgot to take off. I was almost more shocked to realize that, no, this was intentional. What that color of blue has to do with anything else in the kitchen, I have no idea.
Vern Yip said, “It looks like a rainbow threw up all over it.” And not in a good way.
It gets worse. In this photo you can see the paint treatment they did on the other side of the breakfast bar. I missed that during the actual episode. They just had way, way, way too much going on in here for me.
The other team’s kitchen had the opposite problem: not enough going on.
Kitchen #2 Before:
Kitchen #2 After:
*Yawn.*
I don’t understand how the accessories were bought but never made it into the kitchen. It was never really explained, but the team made it clear that it was all Tashica’s fault. (My husband Dave said, “I can hear the bus rumbling down the road.” Sure enough, they threw Tashica right under it.)
At least the homeowners got new cabinets, appliances, and granite countertops. I think I’d rather get this kitchen because I could add my own color and accessories. In the first kitchen, I’d have to get rid of the “rainbow puke” first.
But wait. I just saw this photo that shows the floors. The kitchen hardwoods are totally different than the ones they butt up against in the dining area. I wish they had taken that into consideration. They could have at least chosen a hardwood the color of that darker band, and planks that weren’t so completely different in width and texture.
Which kitchen would you choose? I think I’ll have to go with “None of the above.”
Check out my post about Candice Olson if you want to read more about her design work. Relive last season’s ghost episode: Stand by Your Haunted Mansion, or remember the heights of goofiness with Clive Just Kidding, You Guys!
(Photos via HGTV.com. To read more about the contestants and see more photos from the episodes, visit the Design Star page.)
{ 55 comments }
Oh my goodness … I have no words! They both are horrible. I actually like the original version the best … before all the changes. Goodness gracious!
.-= MissCaron´s last blog ..Movits! =-.
Never watch this show. I LOVE Candice Olson, but can’t stand Vern Yip (not sure why). And yes, these re-dos are horrible, especially the first. I agree with MissCaron: The before actually looks better!
Where are Johnathon Adler and Simon Doonan when you need them? Yikes.
.-= Florida Sue´s last blog ..So Proud Of Them =-.
Man, I think the contestants are REALLY bad this year. So bad, that I’ve considered not watching any more this season. {you know I will, but still} I have been very unimpressed.
.-= living with lindsay´s last blog ..DIY: Create Your Own Custom Headboard =-.
If I were being forced to choose, there is no question that the second one is the only one I could consider. I would definitely have to make some additions and changes though to make is pretty. It is so blah.
.-= Becky K.´s last blog ..The Many faces of Chloe! =-.
At least the second one looks a little better than the first. That granite in the first is horrendous!
What is wrong with people? That first kitchen is just stupid, I can’t believe people that would create something like this could even make the cut to get on the show …and the floor, even someone with no design sense knows better than that. I think they are screwing with us, some kind of joke? maybe? hopefully?
.-= Janet´s last blog ..Shed Some Love =-.
Both are horrible. If I were the owner of the first kitchen I’d sue the show to have it redone to it’s original condition. I can’t believe the floor in the second kitchen. What were they thinking? Also, are those cheap metal joint’s under the second kitchen’s bar? This particular show was painful to watch.
They are both terrible, but I agree with you, I’d rather have the plain one. In the end, it would require much less work. The only thing I saw in that last photo was the white paint on the floor! What a lousy paint job.
.-= songbirdtiff´s last blog ..The Heart of our Home =-.
Ay, painful. The first kitchen makes me think of the expression, ‘just because you know how to do something, doesn’t mean you should’.
Or at least, not all in the same room.
.-= Struggler´s last blog ..Trouble at Ann Taylor? =-.
The show is horrific so far. The fun was what made this show different. Take that out of the equation, along with what seem to be horrible designers this year, and the show is in the toilet.
I liked Cynthia Rowley because I think she gave more fair assessments. She took the time constraints into consideration. I’ve always HATED Vern Yip. He seems to be an ass. I’ve never liked Genivive (sp), but I’m hoping that Candice Olsen will be fair.
The interesting thing about this year is that the judges will be making the final decision. Granted, this person will be hosting a TV show along side their own. Obviously, the first two choices didn’t sit well with the network or their peers.
Wow!! I better not let Tim see this post!
What a waste of money!
Kim
.-= Kim @ Everything Etsy´s last blog ..Ready For A Giveaway? Maggie Whitley {Gussy} =-.
When my husband and I were watching this I said forget the “designers” give me the $20,000 and it will be fabulous! Too many cooks in the kitchen if you ask me!!
I love that Candace Olson & Genevive are now judges, I really did not like the other two from previous years. If I got a compliment from Candace Olson, it would absolutely be the thrill of my life!!
tina
I like the judges but they have a job with this group!!!
Not too sorry that I have missed the show so far this year. I think each person feels they have to put their own “stamp” on the room. Big mistake. Makes me feel very talented……lol.
the only one i like so far is antonio. the minute he declared, in ep 1, that he was going to paint the geese hot pink to break up the monotone, i thought, “yes!” i think he could be brilliant and has the personality to carry him through (badass straight designer? bring it!). that being said, these kitchens sucked! i get the blue in the kitchen … the “moroccan” flavor they were going for with it. but all the colors did NOT work together. and i hadn’t seen that painted design on the back of the bar … ugh!! the other kitchen had potential to be sleek and lovely, but they couldn’t get it together and chose poor time management projects. and the floors … no. bad call. i’m looking forward to the white challenge, because truly it will be a blank canvas for each designer to show their individual strengths, taste, and skills.
.-= michele´s last blog ..can. not. wait. =-.
I agree with all the comments and your sentiments. I think this show is really lacking. What whatever happened to all the lovely HGTV shows with great designers like Kitty Bartholomew and Joe Ruggiero? I miss the classics and can not identify with some of these new shows/design stars like Color Splash David Bromstad!
.-= Lamp Tramp´s last blog ..A little RUFFLE love =-.
I am so disappointed with what I have seen so far on the show! I keep thinking, “these were really the best of the best designers that applied to be on the show????!” Let’s hope next week is better!
As far as the kitchens go, if I had been the owners, I would have asked for a totally new remodel after seeing what the results were. I didn’t think either kitchen was a “wow”.
Agreed, both were just miserable but the first will really stand out in the hideous hall of fame.
.-= The Blushing Hostess´s last blog ..Beauty reconsidered =-.
So far the main issue that’s showing up is the lack of leadership and design responsibility in the team leaders (problems with both the small duos in the 1st ep and the big kitchen teams). When you have a bunch of people-pleasers leading things, nothing gets done well and no one is making executive decisions as to what will work and what won’t. It literally became a “too many cooks in the kitchen” design situation on both counts. Interesting how the same lack of leadership meant that one kitchen ended up with vomit-y design (or “design”) and the other kitchen ended up looking like a graveyard.
I’m sure the next eps will show what happens when one person showboats and tries to be an overbearing mini-dictator (see: Antonio). So far, my money’s on Dan as the early favorite…
.-= Melissa D´s last blog ..Daily Candy: Paw Prints =-.
I am glad that the goofiness is gone finally, but the talent does seem to be lacking. And why the show continues to do that kitchen project is a mystery to me. It’s IMPOSSIBLE! Great post Julia – I totally agree with you: none of the above. What a waste of three days — they should give them a bedroom or something more manageable!
.-= christy´s last blog ..Truth? Or a big fat lie? =-.
I would say for them to leave it alon in the first place!!
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..Monday Memories: Doing Dishes =-.
I haven’t watched any of this seasons episodes. I’m sure I will catch then when they re-run them 16 more times.
I will be the lone voice – I see some positives in #1 that I could work with. I like the lighting, the window treatments, the cabinet color, and the green wall under the bar.
What I don’t like is the red paint and the blue paint. I think with a different paint job it could look so much better.
Did you notice none of the electrical outlets had covers on them in the second kitchen?
.-= Blakely´s last blog ..Another Day of Lunch-cation =-.
You nailed it on the head with this post. I am getting so sick and tired of the race-against-the-clock design projects on this show. That’s not the way it’s done in the real world.
Imagine how many designers with real talent would fail because they lacked the stamina and didn’t have enough time to show what they could do.
I loved the show in the first season despite that flaw, but this current batch of designers has little talent.
I’ve never watched an episode so I don’t know how it works. I think those after kitchens just stink. What do the homeowners do with the rotten designs? Did they pay for them?
.-= Astrid´s last blog ..Ava’s room Update =-.
That first one is crazy with all of those colors and textures…ugh.
.-= Christine´s last blog ..Commence Project Closet =-.
Astrid–Clive Pearse mentioned that an HGTV construction crew was being sent to fix the problems in the kitchens, at least. I doubt they are paying for the work, but the show didn’t disclose those details. -Julia
I’ve never seen an epi of last years headband chick winner.
Maybe it’s just schadenfreude but I almost like the show more because of this season’s lousy contestants. I can’t wait to see what screw-ups will come next. I also think that, as a viewer, one can learn more by observing other’s mistakes than by seeing a lot of successes. Now, a success or two would be nice as the season progresses and they will come as the real losers are weeded out.
I also think it was good to put in the kitchen challenge right upfront. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another kitchen challenge later to measure against the first disasters. Yes, three days for a complete kitchen remodel is a ridiculous situation that would never happen in the real world but this is a television show so going into it everyone, including the homeowners, knows it’s an artificial situation. In the real world, both families were living with those awful kitchens. At least they got a shot at something decent (and new appliances.)
.-= Why S?´s last blog ..I Saw a Man Shooting Pool in his Front Yard =-.
Man, we don’t get it over here! Or at least we probably won’t until sometime next year (we’re just starting LAST year’s Project Runway). I love this show. It’s so horrible. I do love Clive-y though. And it will be said without all the insane outfits. Cynthia kept me watching just to see what she was wearing.
.-= Mom in High Heels´s last blog ..Random Thoughts Tuesday, Awards, Generals and other nonsense. Now with pictures! =-.
This episode was so bad it was painful to watch too much all at once. I kept switching out and then back in just to see if it could get worse, and it did! Ridiculous to try anything in a kitchen in just 3 days. And how did those poor homeowners get suckered in? I’m lookin forward to the next episode where they’re each assigned their own space… that kind of challenge is usually much more telling with regard to actual talent. After that?… we’ll see if they can keep it interesting and at least a little bit “real”.
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Color and Pattern by the Barnload =-.
Kill me.
Both of those designers are hugely talented. They must have wanted to die of embarrassment when it was all said and done.
I don’t know about you but I’m really tired of these “slapped together” remodels.
I don’t understand why they gutted the one kitchen. Those cabinets were totally paintable and they could’ve done so much more! For all of those designers, so far no one is very creative! No art, not oooh la la!
.-= Jen R´s last blog ..The DIY show off =-.
I am not a decorator but, I feel like I could do a better job for $20,000.
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..She Sells Seahells by the Frontdoor =-.
I adore Candice Olson and Vern Yip and I am so sad that they don’t show this show here:-( I would love to actually see what the thought process is behind these 2 awful designs. Sorry Julia, you know I never say negative things and always try to find the positive but these 2 kitchens have stumped me. Like Melissa says, I am not a designer but I know I could deliver a much better kitchen for $20,000.
I must now go in search these episodes on You Tube…wish me luck!
Oh I am so happy you did a post on this….I just LOVE this show….and I thought both kitchens stunk…I felt so bad for the homeowners….
I so agree the judges are 3 of my faves too….. Candice has never done anything that I didn’t like even if its not my taste I still am stunned with all of her designs..she is just the best.
Great post Julia…..
Kathy
This is my first season watching Design Star, and so far I enjoy it, although I am not feeling the designs. I couldn’t decide who deserved to go home more: Amy, Tashica, or the color expert girl. The Moroccan/Italian room was so blech. And I couldn’t believe they didn’t finish the other room!!!
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..DIY: Easy Flower Hairclips (Easy to Make, Easy on Your Wallet) =-.
I am starting a NEW Mr. Linky party. It will begin on Aug 10th so everyone will have a week and a half to think about their first post. I have a poll up for votes on which button should be the new button. The “party” is called The Knock Off Knock Out-where THRIFTY meets creative sensation. Go over and learn more about the new weekly event and I would appreciate if you would cast your vote and HELP pick the new button design and its the last week for the July GIVE-A-Way, if you would like to be a part of that event..
Cheri
.-= Cheri Peoples´s last blog ..Some Super French Decorating Projects and A Couple of Other Mr Linky Party ideas, almost like a Bunko party but different =-.
Im with you on this one…I did not feel a connection with those kitchens. I would be ashamed to put my name on lil darlings~
.-= Susie Harris´s last blog ..Inspiration…pass it on! =-.
I’m so glad for the recap. I always watch the show but missed this episode. These kitchens are… tragic. It is interesting though. They went all out this year in their casting of this show to get legitimate designers. They sent out notices to ASID and many other professional design orgs. My designer friends and I all got the info. Like you said Julia, real designers don’t do the labor themselves, especially on a kitchen. There is no way it would pass code. It isn’t that I’m a Priss Pot (okay maybe a little) but my clients always say I have a guy or gal for anything. Maybe they really are designers and not contractors or builders (which they always have had as contestents in the past for these types of challenges), but that “theme” in the first kitchen would squash that argument. I don’t even know what to say about the range hood “focal point” on the second one. I guess they didn’t know how to install down draft venting. I wish they’d do realistic challenges on these shows. Top Design is a little better.
Candace and Gen look fab.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Arlington, VA Eco Friendly Before and Afters =-.
I agree with the comment about timing. How many people can develop unique designs under such time strains. When your up against the clock you are either going to do something really ugly that doesn’t work or you are going to play super safe and go with the same old same old designs
So far this season is terrible. Both kitchens terrible. And, yes, we were wondering around here whether this was a design contest or a construction contest. Different skill sets.
I keep forgetting this is on again! I’ll have to watch just because I love Candace!
.-= Ms.Tee´s last blog ..Pretty Table on a Budget =-.
You just reminded me why I don’t watch Design Star.
EEK!
.-= melissa @ the inspired room´s last blog ..Focal Points & Signature Pieces =-.
I would choose none of the above and just what are those brackets under the breakfast bar! I hadn’t seen the “faux painting” under the other breakfast bar….hmmm…
I love to accessorize…and I too wonder why it wasn’t done. Seems that would have been an easy job, especially since items were already purchased.
I don’t know how long I will stick with the show this year. Hope it gets better!!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..~Tea for Two~ =-.
I LOVE Candace and if I had to pick, definitely the blank slate kitchen.
.-= Puna´s last blog ..July 30, A Piano Without a Player =-.
When I saw that “Moroccan” kitchen, I thought, hmmm. That looks like my 1982 kitchen before I painted it! What in the world was going on in there? Not that Moroccan design is bad, but you could at least make it TASTEFUL. Whatever. And I really can’t believe Amy went home over Tashica. There must be more going on that they edited out because all arrows were pointing to what a terrible job Tashica did. Almost everyone said she was the weakest link. Although the only thing we really saw was that she broke a bottle of wine.
.-= mrsmckracken´s last blog ..Aaugh! I Can’t Handle It! =-.
In the 3rd kitchen they could have done something with the old lighting. That would have made a huge difference.
.-= SoBella Creations´s last blog ..Another Great Giveaway ~ Bohtieque Designs =-.
Oh my goodness…when she said “rose, blue and yellow” were the colors, I about puked right there. I knew that was not going to be good. Eck.
I love Vern, and laughed so much at the comment, it was horrible, I would ask for my money back if I paid someone to do that room. I wish Vern would come do my place, It really needs it. The before picture please because this kitchen is horrible in every way. What where they thinking?
Hi Julia, I really do agree with you on these 2 kitchens. The first one is soo much pattern and color, you don’t know where to look, too much. And that second one yawn yawn, very boring too. It’s so good to see Candice as one of the judges, I’ve been a fan of hers for many years, I used to watch her on City Line , that’s a T.V. show in Toronto, where they have home day on Monday and also on Thursday it would be decorating day,she was always very funny on the shows too, that’s just the way she is, we’re very lucky here in Canada to have such great designers like Candice.
I would have to choose kitchen number two. Better balance and contrast, even with the floor mismatch to the dining room.
I thought it a impressive that I redid my kitchen in three weeks, demo granite, granite delays and all. Three days is unbelievable!
.-= Paula ~ Mise en scène ´s last blog ..The Basement Metamorphosis, Continued =-.
It’s really a shame this show has the downsides you’ve (humorously) mentioned, because I think the basic premise is a great idea. I haven’t watched it this season, but it doesn’t sound like I’m missing much. If I had to choose, I’d take Kitchen #2…but only because I was forced to pick one or the other.
.-= bungalowbliss´s last blog ..She’s Ready for her Close-Up! =-.
Oh dear, these kitchens are shocking. If I was the owner, I’d think they were playing a joke on me. We had a show in Australia recently called HomeMade which was a similar concept to DesignStar. They were fabulous, never this kind of rubbish. In fact I find all past DesignStar contestants, even the winners, to be lacking a lot of good taste! I think Vern’s taste is wonderful, how can he judge them so well??? I’d have thought he would have been tougher on them…
My question is, what happened to some of the D.S. winners? Myles of Style – off the air? The winner before Antionio, the blond, never saw her again. I get tired of Antonio’s incessant phrases “bro” and “stoked”. I do love David Bromstad, love his personality, humor and art. I think the contestants last time and especially this time are terrible. I’m an artist, not a designer, but I see little talent. I also don’t like the rush they have to do, not real–world at all, not a real test of designer skills.
I thought “Myles of Style” was canceled, but I just checked HGTV.com and it still has the show listed. Looks like most episodes are aired at 7:30 in the morning, though, which is why I haven’t seen it for awhile.
Jennifer Bertrand, the woman who won two seasons ago, took time off from HGTV to have a baby and, despite promises she would be back, has only had on an “online show” that I know of. If anyone knows more than that, fill us in! -Julia
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